Last week, Rep. Kristi Noem, (R-SD) introduced legislation that would make clear the NLRB does not have jurisdiction over tribal lands. As stated in its introduction The intent of H.R. 2335 is “to defend tribal sovereignty and promote economic opportunities on reservations lands by eliminating ambiguity in existing federal law.” “As a matter of sovereignty, the tribes don’t need big labor meddling in their affairs,” Rep. Noem said. “By removing this ambiguity in the law we can promote economic development on tribal land because businesses, large and small, need more certainty before they can grow.” Noem also called the lack of clarity on the issue “a threat to the foundation of Indian law.” The Yankton, Sioux and Sisseton Wahpeton tribes have given letters of support for the legislation.
